Pacesetters honored in chamber's annual awards banquet
Chillly, snowy weather didn't put a damper on the festivities at the Nevada/Vernon County Area Chamber of Commerce Pacesetter Awards banquet and casino night on Saturday, Feb. 28. Held at the Eagles Lodge in Nevada, the "Nifty '50's" themed event featured a buffet dinner catered by Count On Us, award presentations, a silent auction and hours of fun and casino games from Casino Affairs of Pittsburg, Kan.
The highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Pacesetter Awards, honors giving to local businesses, organizations and individuals making an impact on the area through their efforts throughout the past year. Each receives a plaque bearing award particulars and a golden Oscar-esque statue, informally nicknamed "Norman" after the late Franklin Norman, whose efforts in the community held lasting impact.
Following opening remarks by chamber president Seth Barrett, Cat McGrath-Farmer, executive director of the chamber, said, "Tonight's awards recognisze outstanding businesses and organizations. They are all working hard to make Nevada and Vernon County better for us all."
Nominations were solicited from chamber members and the list narrowed to the top three or four finalists. Nominees were: Agri-Business category: Focal Dairies, Hardin Farms, Record Harvest; Small Business Pacesetter category: Nevada Medical Clinic, Nevada Urgent Care, Precision Machine Parts; Large Business Pacesetter category: Nevada R-5 Schools, Precision Aero Services, US Bank Mortgage Services; Community Improvement finalists: Ash Place, Celebrate Recovery at First Baptist Church, Habitat for Humanity and Nevada/Vernon County Recycling Center; and Individual Pacesetter of the Year: Pat Chambers, Bill Erwin, Wilson Liter and Linda Platt.
First up was the Agri-Busines Pacesetter of the Year, which went to Hardin Farms.
Presenting the award, Mike Brown, represening Ag Provision LLC, the 2007 Agri-Business award winner, said, "All of these companies are aggressively contributing to Vernon County's oldest industry -- agriculture," a statement which met with raucous applause. "Hardin Farms actively works with area schools to provide classroom agriculture education. The benefits of this type of ongoing education are not just for the student. When a student is involved, the community as a whole benefits."
The Small Business Pacesseter of the Year was Precision Machine Parts, which has expanded their employee base and business nationwide.
The Large Business Pacesetter of the Year was Precision Aero Services, which also has expanded its employee base.
The President's Award, presented by 2008 Chamber President Jeremy Fast, went to Cindy Johnson, for efforts in promoting area businesses through a transition between directors.
The 2008 Community Improvement Award was presented to the Nevada/Vernon County Recycling Center.
The Individual Pacesetter Award went to Wilson Liters, for dedication and commitment to youth sports.
The Wayne Neal Impact Award was presented to Barbara Long, director of Community Outreach.
Barrett closed the ceremony by saying, "Our chamber is evolving -- we have a new director, we are strengthening our parnership with tourism and we are committed to economic dvelopment. We will ocntinue in our dedication to build a strong bsuiness environment and to the marking of Nevada and Vernon County."